PHM PG 01-class

Summary

Description

The Sparviero class, also known as the Nibbio class, is a series of small hydrofoil missile boats capable of achieving high speeds, specifically 46 knots. This class was originally designed for the Italian Navy and subsequently updated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as the 1-go-class missile boat.

Developed in Italy by the Alinavi society – a consortium including Boeing, the Italian government's naval research branch, and Carlo Rodriquez – the design was intended for short-range, high-speed operations. The prototype was ordered in 1970 and commissioned in 1974. The Sparviero-class vessels utilize the Boeing Jetfoil system, with a hydrofoil arrangement that includes one forward and two aft, and a Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbine for propulsion at high speeds, combined with a diesel engine for lower speeds. The vessels' construction is fully aluminum and their armament originally comprised two Otomat anti-ship missiles and a single Oto Melara 76 mm rapid-fire gun.

The Italian Navy planned a larger fleet including both Sparviero and Pegasus-class hydrofoils, but standardized on the former with seven units in total, featuring advanced missile systems and water injection for the turbines. Unfortunately, even with these modifications, the Sparviero class was considered underpowered and efforts to re-engine with more robust gas turbines were ultimately abandoned. These Italian naval craft have now all been decommissioned.

In Japan, the JMSDF employed a modified version of the Sparviero, selecting it to replace their PT 11-class torpedo boats in 1991. The major differences include the Japanese boats’ utilization of Type 90 Ship-to-Ship Missiles and a 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon, with a General Electric LM500 gas turbine as the powerplant. Despite the initial intention to build up to 12 hydrofoils, Japan's contribution to the Gulf War forced a delay, and eventual cancellation, of subsequent orders beyond the third boat. The JMSDF's Sparviero class may be reactivated in the future, but as of now, they have been decommissioned.

These hydrofoils were primarily used by Italian and Japanese forces for coastal patrol duties, serving as fast attack interceptors during their operational tenure.

Technical specifications